Are you looking for strategies to help students who do not possess word comprehension skills? If so, keep reading.
1. Get the learner to make a list of new words they have learned. The learner can add words to the list at their own rate.
2. Give the learner a quiet space (e.g., table, study booth, etc.) where they may go to take part in reading learning activities.
3. On occasions where the learner encounters a new word or one whose meaning they do not know, have the learner construct sentences in which the term is used in the correct context.
4. Give the learner an assortment of visual learning materials to support word comprehension (e.g., filmstrips, images, charts, etc.).
5. Get the learner to find a word a day that they do not understand. Get the learner to define the term and require them to use that word throughout the day in several situations.
6. Get the learner to keep a vocabulary notebook with definitions of words whose meanings they do not know.
7. Get the learner to create an image dictionary representing those words that are complicated for them to recognize.
8. Anticipate new vocabulary words and teach them in advance of reading a selection.
9. Teach the learner synonyms and antonyms of familiar words to strengthen their vocabulary.
10. Teach new vocabulary words and ideas prior to reading a selection.
11. Praise the learner for asking the meanings of words they do not understand.
12. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Competitive learning activities may make it complicated for the learner to comprehend what they read.
13. Get the learner to look for vocabulary definitions within the content read (e.g., The long house, an Indian dwelling, was used by Eastern Indians.).
14. Get the learner to look for vocabulary words in italics, boldface, headings, and captions.
15. Select a peer to help the learner, when needed, with the meanings of words not grasped.
16. Get the learner to read high interest signs, advertisements, notices, etc., from newspapers, magazines, movie promotions, etc., placing emphasis on vocabulary skills.
17. Refrain from placing the learner in awkward reading skills (e.g., reading aloud in a group, identifying that the learner’s reading group is the lowest level, etc.).
18. Tag objects and learning activities in the classroom to help the learner associate words with concrete aspects of their surroundings.
19. Minimize the amount of information on a page if it is visually distracting for the learner.
20. Make sure the learner is developing a sight-word vocabulary of the most commonly used words in their reading content.
21. Consider using AI to teach reading comprehension.
22. Consider using Alexa to teach reading skills.
23. Try using one of our many apps designed to teach literacy skills and help students with reading issues:
10 Apps That Teach Your Child to Read
7 Must-Have Apps to Make Students Love Reading
7 Must-Have Phonics Apps and Tools
9 Reading Apps and Tools for the Elementary Classroom
The Tech Edvocate’s List of 24 Literacy Apps, Tools & Resources
